November 2009 Edition
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Dear friends and supporters,
A s the 2009 year draw s to a close, w e are very aware that we would not be here, and could not have endured without your prayers and support. Thank you!
This month it’s my (Simon) turn to w rite and tell you a little of what we are up to and what we would like you to pray for.
Yet will I rejoice in the LORD!
Last month I led a mission team including nine students and one other lecturer from N ET S to the Osire Refugee Cam p about 3 hours drive north east of Windhoek. We stayed for two nights and spent the three days meeting with Christian people from some of the most war ravaged countries in Africa. On the Saturday w e repeated the ‘Word Alive’ program that w e had run in September in Windhoek. More than 140 people cam e for the w hole day as we explored the book of Habakkuk and its implication for our lives together. If you and I can resonate with Habakkuk’s complaint that the LORD seem to be allowing injustice and godlessness go unpunished in the world (Hab. 1:1-4)– imagine how powerfully that com plaint connects with those w ho have watched their loved ones slaughtered and have been driven from their homes! More powerfully still comes the assurance that God will bring about justice and righteousness and that one day the know ledge of his glory w ill cover the earth as the waters cover the sea (Hab. 2:14). In the midst of terrible pain and deprivation, the love and joy that these Christian brothers and sisters demonstrate in their lives (not to mention their singing and dancing), is clear evidence that they are prepared to rejoice in the LORD even when ‘the fig tree does not blossom ’(H ab. 3:17). We went to teach and bless, and returned having been taught and blessed by the faithfulness of God’s people. Osire Refugee Camp currently holds 8000 people, and they
have no formally trained pastors or Bible teachers. There are allsorts of problems within the churches – but still there is a joy and trust in the LO RD that we could all do w ell to learn from.
Old Testament Theology under the bright African sun
Of all the subjects which I have been teaching this year, perhaps the one that has stretched me most has been teaching Old Testament Theology and Themes to the 4th year students. Southern African society and culture bears terrible scars from misunderstandings and misapplication of the Old Testament. From the time that the Calvinist Voertrekkers marched into their ‘new Promised Land’ driving out the nations before them and guarding their national racial purity, until the present day, the Old Testament has been used to justify all sorts of terrible abuses of power. Today one of only three free to air television channels broadcasts false promises of prosperity and ease for the faithful, to some of the world’s poorest and most desperate people, 24 hours a day!
Understanding that Jesus is the goal, climax and fulfillment of the Old Testament is a reality that has the potential to change whole societies in this part of the world.
National Accreditation for NETS
More than a year after submitting our application to the Namibian Government for official accreditation of NETS and its courses, we have just been given two weeks to get ready for a comprehensive inspection and audit. This is due to take place in the week immediately following exams, which makes it very difficult to find the time needed to prepare properly. The inspection will cover everything from the buildings and infrastructure, to the finances and administration, and of course the academic programs and staff.
Please pray for me (Simon) as I head up the team in preparation for this inspection and audit. Pray that God would enable us to be well prepared and to respond well to the extra demands at this time of year. Pray that NETS would be granted accreditation as an institution in its own right, and that our various courses (from certificate to degree level) would be officially recognized.
Looking ahead to the New Year
How will you begin 2010? As a family it has been our happy habit to start every New Year at the CMS Summer School in Katoomba. This will be the second one in a row that we will be missing, and it is honestly one of the hardest things for us about living in Namibia. We would like to take this chance to encourage you to be there if it is at all possible.
NATIONAL ELECTIONS
Please pray for the national elections to be held in Namibia on November 27th and 28th. Pray that the ‘hate speech’ of some politicians would not incite more people to violence. Pray that the elections would be free, fair, transparent and peaceful.
For your prayers
° Please pray for students as they sit for exams from November 16. Pray that the exams will continue to be a time of learning and preparation for ministry.
° Pray for the employment of five new Namibian staff for NETS. Pray for wisdom for Simon and the others involved in interviews, that we would choose the people that God has raised for these positions.
° Thank God for applications received already for new students for 2010. Pray that God would draw many more of the right people to study at NETS.
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